Ok guys I keep hearing alot of talk about a coolant filter can some one inform me on as to what it is where it goes an how much they r

 

It's a filter... that filters your coolant... haha, seriously though the idea is to catch debris (casting deposits) and silicate drop out from the cooling system to prevent clogging the oil cooler. It sits right on the side of the intercooler on the passenger side, in between the grill and the alternator.

Here's a pic of one from google, see the red filter screwed into the base there with the two hoses coming off... that's it. This looks like a home made job.



Here's a sinister/MKM one:

 

Thanks mike that clarifies alot for me

 

One thing to be aware of, DO NOT DIY A COOLANT FILTER WITH A REMOTE OIL FILTER! Everything I have read ends the same, the way the element is pretreated in an oil filter turns to goo when it gets in contact with coolant.

 

Good point Karl, also be aware that there are even coolant filters available that are pre-charged. You do NOT want one of these, it will do the same thing and send goo through the cooling system. When I ordered my coolant filter setup from dieselsite I had them throw in 3 extra filters. There is a list kicking around of acceptable replacement filters too, I'll have to dig it up, but big thing is to ensure that it's not pre-charged, stay away from those. It will release into the system, turning into goo and then plug the filter up, it's a vicious cycle!

 

So if I go with a sinister diesel coolant filter set up what filters should I use an how often do h change them

 

Just use whatever they supply, you can likely order extras from them. I bet you can order just filters through dieselsite too. You can use the one's they supply, it's just some of the local auto parts replacement's you'll find that are charged.

 

Just installed a Sinister. Very well designed and high-quality. Everything went in in a snap, no glitches.

How can you tell if a filter is "pre-charged"????

Oldesalt over in the Seattle area. 03 6.0 flat out stock with 200 k

 

You're looking at about 10 minutes TOPS to install a coolant filter. If you don't change your filter in time then it's not the end of the world, easiest way to tell when it needs to be changed is to feel it, if it's not the temp of the engine (warmed up engine, cold filter) then it's clogged and needs to be changed. When I change mine I always just slap the new one on, run the truck and top off the degas as necessary, some people fill the new filter but why try to spin on the extra weight and throw coolant everywhere if you drop it?